PSYCHOSPIRITUAL DYNAMICS AT MIDLIFE AND BEYOND - Guideposts for a Healthy and Happy Second Half of Life.

 I am very happy to introduce  a  new book I have authored and  published by St. Paul's on Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond. 

Brief Description of Content

Psychospiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond presents pathways to health and happiness in the second half of life. After presenting the experiences that indicate awakening to psychological midlife, the author goes on to describe some of the major dynamics of midlife and the transformational processes that we have to engage in during midlife in order to make the second half of our life meaningful, satisfying and fruitful. In the last few chapters of the book he describes the dynamics of the post-midlife years, particularly those related to aging gracefully, and the types of spiritualties relevant to that period of our lives. Each chapter has real life stories to illustrate its contents and introspective questions for readers to stay with in order to make the reading itself a personal transformative process.

 

Appreciation for and endorsement of the book

No work on mid-life that I have come across contains such a thorough, detailed and panoramic treatment of such a vast range of topics in such a practical manner. I am so grateful to Jose Parappully for giving us this work, and I recommend it whole-heartedly to the seeker of life.

Br. Philip Pinto CFC

Former Superior General of the Christian Brothers

 

The unique merit of this book is that it combines admirably both psychology and spirituality. In order to find the water that will quench the thirst of our minds and hearts, Fr. (Dr) Parappully draws from two wells – psychology and spirituality.

This book is a treasure. You will do well to buy copies to gift to your friends who are at midlife or have gone beyond it. They are sure to thank you for such a gift. Bishops and Major Superiors can achieve what they have failed to achieve over the years simply by getting their priests or religious to read and discuss the contents of this book.

M.A. Joe Antony, SJ

Editor, JIVAN and former Editor, The New Leader

 

In Psychological Dynamics and Midlife and Beyond, Dr Parappully invites us to take a long, lingering look at ‘mid-life,’ in the context of our adolescent dreams, as he sets to work ‘on the shattering of illusions, our false and idealized notions about self, others and the world,’ with a view to making the life that remains ‘satisfying and generative in meaningful ways.’

 

This book invites candid introspection; it helps expose the illusions we live by; it pulls the plug from under the carefully cultivated self-images and storylines that we create, project and maintain, showing in the process how fragile is our hold on balanced living.

 

Stephen Mavely, SDB

Former Vice Chancellor, Assam Don Bosco University

 

the book is available from St. Paul's Book Stores in most towns and cities and online at the link below:

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52nd SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

 The 52nd Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey --, the first of the year, concluded at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari (Punjab) on 3^rd May. This 12-week programme had begun on 9^th February.

There were 14 participants – 9 women and 5 men.

Sumedha Sadhana is an inner journey in quest of greater healing and wellbeing. This programme is offered three times a year.

The topics in this 52d edition included: An assessment of the current state of one’s psychospiritual journey, Self-Awareness and Self-Transformation, Holistic and Process Spiritualties, Prayer and Mediation Practices, Psychological and Spiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond, Psychosexual and Celibate Integration, Trauma and Healing (all facilitated by the Director of the programme Dr Jose Parappully) 

Breath work (by Thomas Kurianthanam  M.Ph) , Emotional Hygiene (by Dr Joe. Kokandathil), Challenges to Consecrated Life Today (Philip Pinto MA, BEd.), Intensive Group Therapy (Maria Goretti MA, BEd.).The programme concluded with an Integration Retreat (Dr Parappully)

Participants found the programme immensely useful for their psychospiritual journey. Ten of the 14 participants gave a 10 on 10 on a Scale of Usefulness, I gave a 9 and three gave an 8.

Some illustrative comments on the programme by the participants:

It was an enriching experience from day 1. I had come with lots of negativity. I am rejuvenated to march ahead, with clarity and purpose. A

I came to Sumedha with lot of burden and pain. Everything seemed chaotic. Emotionally I was falling apart.  Sumedha helped to put me back together, move from chaos to clarity. I feel free within. F.

Sumedha Sadhana has been more than just a programme. It has been as sacred inner pilgrimage. I am enriched emotionally and spiritually. A

My goal was self-transformation. I realized it through the various offerings and their dynamics. I became more vibrant. My horizons are expanded. L.

I came for a spiritual renewal. I achieved what I wanted. Everything helped. A bird has been released from the cage. J.

I came with lots of emotional baggage. Sumedha helped me to get rid of them. Sumedha Sadhana has been an encounter that renewed me. J.

“The whole programme – modules, facilitators, topics covered and processes followed – is excellent. Very meticulously planned and executed. I enjoyed the programme. F

If I had received what I did at Sumedha before my religious profession or priesthood, my life would have been so much more beautiful and meaningful. R.

I feel truly blesed. The programme helped me to come out of my woundedness and get healed. It has helped me to be serene, whole, and helped to increase my faith in God and to be positive in life. Sumedha will always remain a precious part of my spiritual journey.” F.

It was a journey with the heart and through the heart. Sumedha is the best place for self-exploration and self-transformation. Achieved 100% of what I wanted. Everything has been so perfectly planned. V.

I leave with enthusiasm and love in my heart. I had a God experience I never had ever in my life before. Jesus has become my Superhero! J.

Services and Facilities excellent. Food delicious. Campus very beautiful, neat and clean, eco-friendly. Building elegant. A.

Our stay was very comfortable because every detail was taken care of and meticulously planned well. Remarkable welcome and hospitality. Food was tasty. L.

 

Sumedha has given me a new perspective on life. M.

Remaining 2025 Sumedha Sadhana programmes

SS. 53: May 11 – August 02

SS. 54: September 25 - December 17

Our New Programme: Health and Happiness in the Post-Midlife Years – Aging gracefully. August 17-September 13, 2025

Registrations for all the 2025 programmes are open: Contact sumedhacentre@gmail.com

See also our webpage: https://sumedhacentre.org

EMPTINESS, HOPELESSNESS, DARKNESS -- AND THEN A BURST OF LIGHT AND LIFE!

       GOOD FRIDAY

On that fateful Good Friday, so many years ago,  the story had apparently ended. Whatever hopes Jesus of Nazareth had evoked in his disciples and those around him, are shattered. Remember the words of the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24, 21): “We had hoped…..” They had hoped  that this Jesus was the one who would set them free from the tyranny of Rome, and of the priests and the Rabbis. But that afternoon they had seen him hanging there on the cross, brutally killed for his attempt to create a new society. They saw him dead and buried. Hope had turned to despair.

HOLY SATURDAY

Holy Saturday is like a dead end, a time when nothing seems to be happening, when one sees no light at the end of the tunnel. Good Friday looks like the end of the story. But not really. The story will continue, although there is nothing to indicate that. There is only an aching emptiness, a painful silence.

But all that will change.

Holy Saturday is the in-between time – between something old dying and something new emerging. Holy Saturday is the time between the seed falling to the ground and dying and then germinating new life. 

EASTER SUNDAY

Light appears at the end of the tunnel. Death is conquered. Despair turns to wonder. The silence and gloom of Holy Saturday is shattered in a blaze of glory. Out of darkness streams of colour break forth - in the dazzling brightness of  the Resurrection.

There is death. But there is also re-birth.

As a popular song says, “there is sunshine after the rain, there is laughter after the pain.”  

.........

When have we felt life to be a long, long Holy Saturday, when we felt like we have reached a dead end – with no way forward, no light at the end of the tunnel? …. And then surprised – at the happy turn of events? 

 May your Good Fridays and Holy Saturdays turn to Easter Sundays!

51st SUMEDHA SADHANA CONCLUDES

 The 51^st Sumedha Sadhana – A Psychospiritual Wellbeing Journey --, the last of the year, concluded at Sumedha Centre, Jharmari (Punjab) on 14^th December. This 12-week  programme had begun on 22^nd September. There were 9 participants – 6 women and 3 men.

Sumedha Sadhana is an inner journey in quest of greater healing and wellbeing. This programme is offered three times a year.

The topics in this 51^st edition included: Self-Awareness and Self-Transformation, Holistic and Process Spiritualties, Psychological and Spiritual Dynamics at Midlife and Beyond, Unconscious Dynamics and the Spiritual journey, Psychosexual and Celibate Integration, Breath Spirit and Wellbeing, Emotional Hygiene, Challenges to Consecrated Life, Prayer and Mediation Practices, Intensive Group Therapy. The programme concluded with an Integration Retreat.

Moments of deep reflection and introspection were interspersed with  qigong, yoga,  recreation, dance, expressive arts, movies, birthday celebrations and picnics – fun and laughter.

Participants found the programme immensely useful for their psychospiritual journey. Four of the participants gave a 10 on 10 on a Scale of Usefulness, and three gave a 9.

Some illustrative comments:

·         “The programme is indeed great. Hats off to Sumedha! I am renewed, revived, rejuvenated. I came with anxiety. I go back bubbling with joy. I enjoyed every moment here.”

·         “I came disgruntled with life. I felt I was in bondage, struggling with lots of negativity. Here I learned to love myself and celebrate my life.”

·         “I have overcome those inner struggles that I was going though. I could let out grief and sadness and experience mental, physical, emotional and spiritual wellbeing.”

·         “I came here with lots of fear and sorrow. I return with courage and confidence. I experienced healing. Good atmosphere and environment.”

·         “Topics are well covered, modules are well chosen, we were happy with the facilitators, process followed were also good.”

·         “I came with fear and anxiety, restlessness. Here I gained lots of awareness which enriched me. I feel liberated. I am physically and emotionally healed. I am going back renewed, energised, with hope, with a desire to share my life.”

“    "The psychospiritual wholeness journey helped me to journey within myself through the various modules. Sumedha gave me an opportunity to understand myself better. I feel revived, experienced healing and wholeness. The module facilitators were good and experienced persons, well-informed and knowledgeable.”  

·         “I was very much welcomed here. I experienced homely atmosphere. Food was good. I will miss it in my community. Very good accommodation. Nice place to live in. Friendly atmosphere. I liked the community spirit. All the services were provided.”

·         “I have not experienced anywhere else sessions of this sort. I am very happy.”

 

The module facilitators were: Johny Dominic Padinjar PhD, Joe Kokandathil PhD, Jose Parappully PhD, Philip Pinto MA. B.Ed, Thomas KC Kurianthanam MPh.

2025 Sumedha Sadhana Schedule:

SS-52: February 9 – May 3

SS. 53: May 11 – August 02

SS. 54: September 25 - December 17

Registrations for the 2025 programmes are open: Contact sumedhacentre@gmail.com

See also our webpage: https://sumedhacentre.org

SUMEDHA/SPA WORKSHOP AT ERNAKULAM, KERALA “Immensely satisfying!”

The Salesian Psychological Association (SPA), South Asia organised a training Workshop at Ashir Bhavan, Ernakulam Kerala, from 15 to 19 November 2024. Ashir Bhavan is the Pastoral Centre of the Archdiocese of Verapoly

 

This Workshop titled “Growing Toward Psychosexual and Celibate Maturity” is part of the programmes related to the 25^th Anniversary of the SPA. Those responsible for the organisation were Dr. C. M. Joseph, current President of SPA and N. K. George, member of SPA.

 

The Workshop was inaugurated by the newly consecrated auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Verapoly, Dr. Anthony Valumkal.

 

It was facilitated by Dr. Jose Parappully, currently Director of Sumedha Centre for Psychological and Spiritual Wellbeing at Jharmari, Punjab. Parappully was the founding Secretary of SPA for nine years and it’s President for six years.

 

The content of the Workshop Included: Understanding Sex, Sexuality and Intimacy; Chastity and Celibacy; Heterosexual Attachment Dynamics; Some contemporary Challenges—Pornography, Masturbation, Homosexuality and Sexual Abuse.

 

The methodology was process-oriented. There was ample time after the presentations for introspection and group sharing, both micro and macro.

There were 22 participants – 12 religious men and 10 religious women from different congregations and dioceses.

Participants expressed immense satisfaction with the Workshop, its rich content and helpful methodology. Thirteen of the 22 participants in their feedback gave a perfect 10 on a scale of 1-10 on Usefulness, one indicating “Very Little useful” and 10 “Immensely Useful.”

 

Some illustrative comments:

•  “This workshop is more of learning, understanding and also an eye-opener on very many topics at a very deep level. What was most helpful was sharing in groups.” M.
• “I could clarify many of my doubts about sexuality and celibacy.” F.
• “It was very practical, simple, easy to understand. Benefitted immensely from the sessions. I am extremely blessed and happy that I chose to attend it. Thanks for making it so interesting and scholarly.” M.

• “The facilitator explained these sensitive subjects in a unique manner.” F.
• “This workshop was useful for me: systematic and well-prepared sessions; new information with clarity; quite a few of my doubts are cleared.” M.
• “These were really eye-opening sessions for me. My perception of and attitude toward certain persons have changed in a meaningful way.” F.

• “I would say this workshop is a transition event in my priestly life, to love celibate chastity at a deeper level. All the sessions were useful to me personally as well as for my ministry of formation.” M.
• “The workshop was excellent. The way the facilitator explained things enriched me. It is very useful in my life” F.

• “Personally, I could clarify many of my wrong notions about sex, sexuality, genitality, sexual orientation, etc., and I learned the psychological way of dealing with those who need our guidance.” M.

• “This workshop helped to look deep into my personal life. I was able to go through my childhood, adolescence, teenage and adult life. It helped me to evaluate my religious and priestly life. I was able to understand my sexuality more and appreciate it. The values of my celibacy and developing healthy friendships became clearer to me. The Workshop also helped me to understand more those suffering from sexual difficulties, especially with regard to masturbation and homosexuality. In short I am very much enriched by this workshop. The most useful part of the Workshop was the Introspection and personal reflections after every topic. The group sharings were very enlightening. This Workshop should be offered to more groups of priests and religious.” M.

 

 All the participants were given a Certificate of Participation.

 

The Salesian Psychological Association is organising a three-day Training workshop for counsellors, psychologists and psychotherapists from January 14 to  16, 2020. It will be held at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore.